The Executive Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council , Hon. Comrade Warri Ovoke Friday, commemorated the International World Disability Day with Physically Challenged Persons in Isoko South Local Government Area while demonstrating heartfelt love and conveying a message of hope to them.
Warri, who commemorated the event with over two hundred Physically Challenged Persons at the Otobo hall in Isoko South local secretariat in Oleh, urged the participants not to feel rejected.
The Council Chairman emphasized the need to avoid feelings of rejection within the society and that God loves them, adding that despite the challenges they face, they should still perceive themselves as equals to others.
The Council Chairman stated that the society should continue to encourage them, including those with profound physical challenges, and assured them that they are esteemed members of the society and that the Local Government Council values and acknowledges their distinctive individual contributions to the Local Government
He also pledged to engage with the Council management to addressing certain concerns they raised regarding their welfare.
He acknowledged some of the challenges individuals may be facing and encouraged them to overcome and assert their rightful position as members of the society, urging them never to feel rejected.
Earlier, Mr. Sammy Emmanuel, Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD), Isoko South Chapter, delivered a speech to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
As they move forward in tandem with the rest of the society, they urged all well-meaning Nigerians—particularly the good people of Isoko, both at home and in diaspora to lend their support in realizing their vision for persons with disability.
He identified needs including the establishment of skill acquisition centers to equip persons with disabilities with vocational skills, the provision of accessible infrastructure such as toilets and pathways, the creation of a disability desk at the Local Government to address pertinent issues and microfinance support and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.
They also required encouragement from society to allow them to participate in decision-making.
Emmanuel specifically called on all women, mothers, and daughters of Isoko—both at home and in diaspora to join them in this noble cause, stating that they are prepared to collaborate to effect meaningful change.
The executive also utilized the opportunity to present an award to the Council Chairman in recognition of his unwavering support since assuming leadership of the Isoko South Local Government Council.
The highlight of the event was a special presentation from disabled learners from Owhara Primary School, Oleh, and the distribution of gift items, such as rice and cash, to all those present, numbering over two hundred persons, to support their wellbeing.
